Managing Nutrition and Side Effects During Cancer Treatment
Hong Cheng Hello Dr. Tseng, I have an uncle who is currently undergoing radiation therapy at the Veterans General Hospital. He has been experiencing hair loss and has mentioned that his mouth and throat are sore. During meals, he can only eat porridge (which he mostly drinks) and...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! When patients with head and neck tumors undergo radiation therapy, they may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, mucosal damage, sore throat, and changes in taste due to radiation exposure to the oral mucosa and salivary glands. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid acidic...[Read More] Managing Nutrition and Side Effects During Cancer Treatment
Understanding Immunotherapy for Melanoma: Treatment Phases and Side Effects
Treatment regimen Hello Dr. Tseng: For the treatment of melanoma using immunotherapy, IL-2 (interleukin-2) and interferon are utilized. How many phases does the treatment regimen consist of? What are the potential side effects? Will there be nausea, vomiting, and hair loss? Wha...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! IL-2 (Interleukin-2) is used for the treatment of melanoma and has strong acute side effects (such as edema and hypotension), requiring hospitalization for careful monitoring. If administered in high doses, it necessitates admission to the intensive care unit. In contrast,...[Read More] Understanding Immunotherapy for Melanoma: Treatment Phases and Side Effects
Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Surgery vs. Medication Options
Thyroid tumor Hello Dr. Tseng, I was diagnosed with a thyroid tumor in my neck on July 8, 2003 (right side; 2 cm in size; benign). I feel very uncertain and am unsure whether I should undergo surgery to remove it or if there are better medication options available. If I do not h...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! If your tumor is producing excessive thyroid hormones, medication will only address the symptoms, and surgical treatment is necessary for a cure. Please consult the surgeon regarding the specifics of the surgery and how much tissue needs to be removed. The surgeon should b...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Surgery vs. Medication Options
Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
Electrotherapy Dear Dr. Tseng: My uncle has recently started radiation therapy for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. What side effects should we expect? Are there any dietary or lifestyle considerations we should be aware of? Additionally, are there any traditional Chinese medi...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! In the case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy, common acute side effects include dry mouth (typically occurring two weeks post-radiation), mucosal damage in the pharynx (around three weeks post-radiation), and throat pain. As treatment nears completion, the irradiat...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
How to Differentiate Between Tumors and Obesity: A Guide for Young Adults
How to distinguish whether it is a tumor? I am 19 years old, 160 cm tall, and weigh 72 kg. I am generally overweight, with fat distributed evenly across my body, but my stomach is particularly large. When I sit, my abdomen appears round like that of a pregnant person, without the...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Based on your description, it seems to be just obesity. If there are no other symptoms, there is no need to worry. If you wish to seek medical advice, you can consult a family medicine physician, a surgeon, or an oncologist. Best wishes for your health from Dr. Tseng Yu-Hu...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Tumors and Obesity: A Guide for Young Adults
How to Help Cancer Patients with Pain and Sleep Issues?
What should be done for cancer patients who often complain of pain and cannot sleep? Dr. Tseng Yu-Hua: Thank you for your inquiry. What should be done if a patient frequently complains of pain and cannot sleep? Given that the patient has a very low dietary intake, should the fami...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Approximately 80% of cancer patients experience pain. Pain can also affect sleep, mood, and appetite. Patients should first address their pain by adjusting the dosage of analgesics until pain is adequately controlled. For poor sleep, sedatives may be used, and for decrease...[Read More] How to Help Cancer Patients with Pain and Sleep Issues?
Do You Need Surgery for Breast Lipomas or Fibromas? Expert Insights
Do breast lipomas or fibromas always need to be surgically removed? Hello, doctor. Recently, I discovered a painless soft mass about 3 centimeters wide in my left chest. After examination, the doctor diagnosed it as a lipoma and recommended surgical removal. Is surgery absolutely...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Depending on your age, if you are over 30 years old and have a breast lump, it is safer to have it surgically removed for pathological examination. If you are under 30, most cases are benign tumors. If an ultrasound examination suggests that it does not appear malignant, m...[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for Breast Lipomas or Fibromas? Expert Insights
Why Tooth Extraction is Necessary Before Radiation Therapy?
Related issues? Dr. Tseng: Why is it necessary to extract teeth before undergoing radiation therapy? How will diet be affected, and what dietary adjustments should be made to optimize nutrition? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! For patients with malignant tumors in the head and neck requiring radiation therapy, it is essential to consult a dentist to extract any severely decayed teeth beforehand. This is because extracting teeth after radiation therapy may lead to poor wound healing. Post-radiati...[Read More] Why Tooth Extraction is Necessary Before Radiation Therapy?
Supporting Terminally Ill Patients: Guidance for Families and Caregivers
How to accompany terminally ill patients and address related concerns? Thank you? Dear doctors: My mother, who is 75 years old, has been diagnosed with stage 3-4 kidney cancer and is currently hospitalized. I would like to ask: 1. How should family members accompany her, and when...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! For terminal cancer patients who have undergone aggressive treatment without success and continue to experience symptoms, after thorough communication and assessment, they may enter a palliative care unit for supportive treatment. Once symptoms are alleviated, patients can...[Read More] Supporting Terminally Ill Patients: Guidance for Families and Caregivers
Understanding the Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment
What are the side effects of chemotherapy? What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Chemotherapy is administered through oral and intravenous routes, with the drugs being absorbed and transported by the circulatory system to the tumors, exerting their anti-cancer effects. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Is It a Tumor? Understanding Painful Lumps on the Jaw
Is it a tumor? There is a firm mass approximately 1.5 centimeters in diameter near the left cheek close to the jawline. It is movable upon touch and causes pain when pressed.
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Yang! Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing lymphadenopathy following an infection, which will likely decrease in size or resolve over time. However, if it does not resolve and instead continues to enlarge, you should consult an otolaryngologist ...[Read More] Is It a Tumor? Understanding Painful Lumps on the Jaw
Best Foods for Recovery After Chemotherapy: Tips for Cancer Patients
What should I eat after chemotherapy to help my body recover more easily? Hello, I would like to ask what patients undergoing chemotherapy should eat to support their health, and what precautions they should take regarding their diet to help combat cancer. Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Balanced nutrition is still the most important aspect for patients. Western medicine does not have as many dietary restrictions as traditional Chinese medicine. However, it is advisable to consume spicy and stimulating foods in moderation. Regarding beverages: limit alcoho...[Read More] Best Foods for Recovery After Chemotherapy: Tips for Cancer Patients
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Dear Oncologist, I am a 30-year-old female. About a month ago, I noticed a lump approximately 1 cm in diameter located in the right lower part of my neck, near the clavicle. Two weeks ago, I visited the ENT department at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Hsinchu. After blood...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Based on your description, it seems to be lymphadenopathy following an infection. After controlling the infection, it should decrease in size, although it may not completely disappear, and you can continue to monitor it. Since you are seeing an otolaryngologist, they shoul...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Melanoma Metastasis: Patient Concerns and Survival Insights
Metastasis Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with melanoma. Last year, I was diagnosed with melanoma under my fingernail by a plastic surgeon, and a small portion was excised. I have been returning for regular follow-ups. Last month, I discovered lymphadenopathy, and a biopsy indic...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! The puncture examination shows only inflammation, so you can continue to observe. If you are still concerned, you may consider having the entire mass removed for a biopsy. Currently, there is no evidence of metastasis, so there is no need to worry about survival issues. If...[Read More] Understanding Melanoma Metastasis: Patient Concerns and Survival Insights
Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce Cancer Risk in Genetic Cases?
Can improving lifestyle habits reduce the risk? Hello: I would like to ask, many people say that changing lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of cancer, but for hereditary cancers (such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer), can improving lifestyle or dietary habits effectivel...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Good dietary habits can somewhat reduce the risk of cancer. As you mentioned, both breast cancer and colorectal cancer are somewhat related to a high-fat diet, and of course, a family history should be taken into special consideration. The causes of cancer are often relate...[Read More] Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce Cancer Risk in Genetic Cases?
Do Sausages and Grilled Foods Really Increase Cancer Risk?
Does it really cause cancer? There have been claims that consuming sausages while drinking Yakult can lead to cancer. Is this true? Also, is it true that eating charred parts of grilled meat is more likely to cause cancer? Should we reduce our intake of barbecued foods due to the...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! There are no research reports indicating that eating sausages and drinking Yakult can cause cancer; this is likely just a myth. Cooking meat at high temperatures, such as grilling, can produce amine compounds that may be carcinogenic. Long-term consumption of these foods c...[Read More] Do Sausages and Grilled Foods Really Increase Cancer Risk?
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
What are the causes of adenocarcinoma and what symptoms may arise from it? What are the causes of adenocarcinoma and what symptoms can it produce?
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! The causes of cancer are numerous and are often related to environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and viral genetics. It is believed that good lifestyle habits can prevent about 80% of cancers. Good lifestyle habits include: 1. A balanced diet 2. Avoiding moldy foods 3. ...[Read More] Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
Should You Undergo Laryngoscopy for Thyroid Cancer Symptoms?
Should a laryngoscopy be performed, or can it be avoided? Symptoms: Hello, Doctor! The patient is a woman in her 60s. She recently underwent surgery for thyroid cancer about two months ago, but has suddenly developed a small swelling on the surface of her chest. A chest CT scan s...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! The patient has two types of cancer, and if an abnormal new tumor is found, it is advisable to perform a biopsy for examination if there are any suspicions. Whether to use regional or general anesthesia should be discussed with an anesthesiologist. Additionally, the patien...[Read More] Should You Undergo Laryngoscopy for Thyroid Cancer Symptoms?
Survival Rates for Thyroid Cancer Stages and Post-Op Considerations
patient What are the survival rates for different stages of thyroid cancer? If a patient has two types of cancer after surgery, what additional precautions should be taken?
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Thyroid cancer survival rates are not typically documented in general literature by stage; the most important factor is the degree of differentiation. Generally, patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer and lower risk factors have a very high overall survival rate,...[Read More] Survival Rates for Thyroid Cancer Stages and Post-Op Considerations
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Risks, and Concerns
What causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Today, I heard my mom say that my dad has nasopharyngeal cancer, and I don't understand the severity of this disease... Is it very serious? The other day, I also saw my dad have a nosebleed... and I often have them too... I'm a bit ...
Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! Nosebleeds can be one of the many symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer, but it does not mean that a nosebleed necessarily indicates nasopharyngeal cancer. There are many causes for nosebleeds, and if you have concerns, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to determi...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Risks, and Concerns